Improvement in metallic shank-stiffeners for boots and shoes



- J. G. WHITTIER. Metallic Shank-Stiffener for Boots and Shoes.

No. 204,644. Patented June 4.1878.

Attorneys N PETERS, FHOTO-UTHOGRAPNER, WASHINGTONv D C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIoE.

JOSEPH G. WHITTIER, OF ATTIGA, INDIANA.

IMPROVEMENT IN METALLIC SHANK-STIFFENERS FOR BOOTS AND SHOES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 204,644, dated June 4, 1878 application filed April 20, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J OSEPH G. WHITTIER, of Attica, in the county of Fountain, and in the State of In dian a, have invented certain new and useful improvements in the manufacture of boots and shoes-to wit, Metallic Shank-Stiffeners to Straighten the Heels of Boots and Shoes; and do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference m arked thereon, making a part of this specification.

The nature of my invention consists in the construction and arrangement of a shank-plate for run-over boots and shoes to reverse the twist in the shank, and consequently reverse the running over of the heel, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

In order to enable others skilled in the art to which my invention appertains to make and use the same, I will now proceed to describe its construction and operation, referring to the annexed drawing, in which-- Figure 1 is a perspective View of a shoe inverted, showing the shank-plate or shank-stiltener in place. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the plate, and Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of the same.

A represents the heel, and B the shank, of a shoe. 0 represents the shank-plate or sh an kstiffener, made substantially of the form shown in Figs. 2 and 3-that is to say, it is curved slightly from end to end, being a little higher in the middle that at the ends. It is also concaved transversely on the upper side, and at the rear end projects a tooth or point, a, which is inserted in the front of the heel, the body of the plate being fastened to the shank by screws b. This plate is for straightening the heel, shank, and fore part of the same. When it is fastened to the shank of the boot or shoe it reverses the twist of the shank, and also reverses the running over of the heel and ball, thereby correcting the whole tenor of the shoe or boot when in a run-over condition.

The principle is this: Whenever the heel is run over it twists the shank. Therefore if the shank is then straightened, or a little more than straightened, it will throw the heel t0 the opposite from the way it is run, and the fore part also.

The plate is not made the shape of the shank when run over, but is made right the opposite shape. Therefore the plate is not fitted to the shank, but the shank twisted to suit the plate.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The shank-stiffening plate 0, formed with the point a, and constructed in the manner described, to be applied to run-over boots and shoes for twisting the shank, as herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand this 30th day of March, 1878.

JOSEPH G. WHITTIER. Witnesses:

THOMAS M. POWELL, JOHN W. MALLOY. 

